Pune: A pivotal meeting regarding the long-awaited land acquisition for the Purandar Airport project is set to take place next week in Pune.

State Industries Minister Uday Samant revealed that discussions during the meeting will focus on three potential models for acquiring the necessary land. The meeting is of high importance given the airport's role in the region's future infrastructure and economic development.

The Purandar Airport project, which has been in the pipeline for years, has reached a critical juncture where the state government is exploring three models to facilitate land acquisition.

According to Samant, the first model proposes that the government collects funds from industrial entrepreneurs, which will then be used to compensate the farmers.

The second model envisions MIDC purchasing the land, with funds raised from entrepreneurs to compensate the farmers. In the third model, MIDC itself will acquire the land and then lease it to businesses, with compensation for farmers being determined during the meeting.

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol and Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu are expected to join the discussions, with the latter attending virtually.

Samant expressed optimism that several longstanding issues concerning the project will be addressed during this meeting. The Purandar Airport project is crucial for the development of the Pune metropolitan region and has been a subject of much debate.

The acquisition of land is one of the most contentious issues, but the proposed models aim to balance the interests of industrialists, the government, and farmers.